AGP Executive Report

Medicaid Work Rules: Final federal rules are out for Medicaid work requirements, spelling out what millions of enrollees must do to keep coverage starting in 2027. Gas Prices: AAA reports pump prices falling again in Arizona for a third straight week, part of a broader national dip. Local Government & Public Safety (Searcy): Searcy is moving toward a new police station site after council authorization to negotiate for the former W&W Ford building, and the city approved the last $245,000 to finish restoring the American Legion Hut. Higher Ed Funding (Harding): Harding University got approval for more than $45 million in capital improvement bond support, including possible expansion of Harding Place by up to 82 units. Arkansas Law & Land Use: The state AG says cities can’t control planning and zoning outside their boundaries anymore, shifting authority to counties under Act 314. Energy: Cypress Creek Energy secured $3.5 billion financing for a major Mississippi County solar-plus-storage project. Freedom of Information: A Fayetteville resident sued over public records tied to a drone company, alleging the city didn’t turn over a signed NDA. Community Events: Searcy Beats & Eats plans a 200-unit drone show plus a big fireworks finale for the July 4, 250th birthday celebration.

Severe Weather Alert: Northwest Arkansas braces for a severe line of storms tonight, with damaging winds, hail, heavy rain, and a small chance of tornadoes as storms move through the region. Clean Energy Investment: Cypress Creek Energy has secured $3.5 billion in financing for Phase 1 and 2 of the Steel River Energy Center in Mississippi County, Arkansas—adding 1.63 GW of solar and 1.9 GWh of battery storage, with full buildout targeted for 2029. Bentonville STEM Push: The Walton family selected BIG-Bjarke Ingels Group to plan and design a new STEM university campus in Bentonville, with about 422,000 square feet across three buildings and a planned first class in 2029. Local Business Expansion: InConvenience Inc is rolling out Lula-powered digital ordering across its 20 locations in Iowa, Missouri and Arkansas, adding ordering through major delivery apps and a direct storefront. Health & Community: Beyond Wellness opened its first Northwest Arkansas clinic in Rogers; and Craighead County schools are offering free summer feeding programs for eligible children. Sports: Arkansas volleyball released its 2026 schedule, and the Razorbacks’ SEC home slate includes Auburn, Texas, Texas A&M, Tennessee, Kentucky, Oklahoma, Vanderbilt, and Missouri.

Autonomous Freight in Arkansas: PepsiCo and Gatik announced a multi-year deal bringing fully driverless Class 8 trucks to commercial routes across Texas, Arizona and Arkansas, starting immediately on a fixed corridor. Little Rock & FedEx vs. Google: A new op-ed argues Little Rock should learn from the FedEx hub decision and avoid repeating mistakes as Google plans a $1 billion data center at the Port of Little Rock. Medicaid Work Requirements: CMS rolled out Medicaid work requirements under HR-1, setting an 80-hour-per-month engagement rule for many adults, with exemptions for medical and other qualifying situations. Gas Prices: GasBuddy reports Arkansas average gas fell another 12.3 cents to $3.77 per gallon, offering a brief reprieve amid still-uncertain fuel markets. Local Government: Baxter County approved $5 million for a new Sixth Street annex building that will include a county-run voting center. Public Safety: A Salem man was charged with sexual assault of a 10-year-old girl, and authorities also reported a child-exploitation arrest tied to an undercover investigation.

Autonomous Freight in Arkansas: PepsiCo and Gatik announced a multi-year deal to deploy fully driverless Class 8 trucks on a fixed corridor that includes Texas, Arizona and Arkansas, moving beyond tests into revenue routes. Courtroom Update: Jury selection began in Fayetteville for Kacey Jennings, accused of killing his ex-girlfriend, Allison Castro, in 2022; prosecutors say documents were found at his home and Jennings maintains he’s not guilty. Disaster Response Watch: FEMA’s interim leader told hurricane-summit reporters the agency is adequately staffed despite local concerns, amid claims FEMA has fewer employees since 2025. Local Governance: Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders announced new Northeast Arkansas board and commission appointments. Library Policy Fight: The Arkansas Library Board is proposing rules that would restrict “sexually explicit” materials in libraries and limit access by age. Community & Culture: Silent Disco returns to Bentonville’s The Compton on June 13, letting guests pick their own music via wireless headphones. Sports: Arkansas golfers Erich Fortlage and Gerardo Gomez earned honorable mention All-American honors; three Razorbacks baseball players also added All-America nods.

Local Agriculture: The Burnett family of Winslow was named the 2026 Washington County Farm Family of the Year after building a cattle operation that now spans more than 700 acres, plus USDA-inspected meat processing. Education & Scholarships: Education Above All (EAA) and Awqaf marked a major milestone in Qatar by celebrating the 500-scholarship completion of the Qatar Scholarships Programme, honoring graduates and top students. Teen Spotlight: Three contestants are competing for Teen Miss Pea Ridge, highlighting local youth programs and community involvement. Public Safety & Weather: Northeast Arkansas is under a heat advisory with heat index values over 100 degrees; Jonesboro is opening multiple cooling stations and offering free GOJO rides to help residents beat the extreme temperatures. Local Governance: Pulaski County Special School District took its first formal steps toward a possible Sherwood detachment, approving resolutions and hiring a consultant to study financial feasibility. Sports: The Arkansas Travelers erupted for an 11-2 win over Northwest Arkansas, powered by Lazaro Montes’ grand slam. Community & Culture: Mountain Home is mourning longtime Bomber baseball coach and city leader Don Webb.

Invasive Species Watch: Northern snakeheads, nicknamed “Frankenfish,” are spreading along the East Coast after being sold in pet stores and fish markets, and they can survive out of water and even move on land—raising alarms for native fish and ecosystems. North Little Rock Crime: Police identified the victim and suspect in a Monday fatal shooting at the Jefferson Manor apartments; Aaron Gilliam, 44, died, and Cecil Brooks Jr., 39, faces a capital murder charge. Arkansas Weather & Public Safety: A northwest Arkansas meteorologist stayed on air during a studio fire while tracking tornado warnings, keeping viewers informed as crews handled the flames. State Government Appointments: Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders named several South Arkansas residents to state boards and commissions, including trustees for South Arkansas College and members to criminal justice and sports councils. Higher Education/Health Policy: Wisconsin launched a webpage explaining the federal Medicaid work requirement that begins in 2027, including exemptions and a screening tool. Arkansas Military: Col. Patricia Hoogeveen was promoted and took command of the 189th Medical Group at Little Rock Air Force Base. Sports Spotlight: Arkansas men’s track team aims for a historic NCAA Outdoor title in Eugene, with events starting Wednesday on ESPN. Business/Logistics: PepsiCo is expanding autonomous freight with Gatik, scaling driverless trucking across its North America supply chain. Local Public Safety: U.S. Marshals are seeking a suspected child rapist, Johnny Wayne Peeks, described as dangerous, and asking Arkansans for tips.

Local Elections: Little Rock candidate paperwork is now available for the Nov. 3 mayor race and six city board seats, with signature gathering starting immediately and filing set for July 29–Aug. 5. Public Safety: North Little Rock police arrested Christopher Warren, 57, on aggravated assault after witnesses said he choked a woman; bail is set at $20,000. Education & Housing: Northwest Arkansas Community College’s board approved a site and self-financed model for its first on-campus student housing, though a related contractor step failed to pass. Child Well-Being: Arkansas ranked 43rd in the 2026 KIDS COUNT Data Book—up overall since 2019, but with reading/math and health slipping. Aviation Youth Program: EAA Chapter 775 flew 15 local youth on free first airplane rides through the Young Eagles program at Baxter County Airport. Business & Growth: Onterris, based in North Little Rock, announced a partnership with Greentown Labs to help environmental tech startups move toward pilots. Weather & Community: Mountain Home seniors are raising PTO funds by painting personalized parking spots this summer. Crime & Courts: A Pulaski County judge dismissed Bryan Norris’ challenge to the secretary of state runoff recount, saying he didn’t prove election law violations.

SNAP Restrictions: The USDA says 23 states, including Arkansas, are rolling out limits on what shoppers can buy with SNAP—aimed at steering benefits toward “nutritious options” (some states target soda, others candy, energy drinks, and prepared desserts). Little Rock Courts: A Pulaski County judge dismissed an election challenge to Arkansas Secretary of State GOP runoff results, ruling the claims against Saline County election officials were “specious” and unsupported. Public Safety: North Little Rock police are investigating a Monday morning fatal shooting at an apartment complex. Child Safety/Police Chase: An Arkansas father faces multiple felony charges after a pursuit ended with his 4-month-old baby ejected from the car; all children were treated for minor injuries. Health Care: UAMS announced a $7M Windgate Foundation gift to expand full-tuition scholarships, and it’s also hosting a free children’s dental clinic June 15. Weather & Travel: The National Weather Service warns of hazardous heat and humidity, with highs in the 90s and heat index near 99. Energy Prices: GasBuddy reports Arkansas regular gas averages about $3.98 statewide for the week ending May 30, with Yell County’s lowest at $3.91. College Baseball: Oklahoma’s sweep fills the last College World Series spot, giving the SEC five teams in Omaha.

AI at Walmart: Walmart rolled out new AI tools for associates at its Arkansas “Associates Week,” saying the tech is meant to streamline work and won’t replace staff, and it’s offering US employees OpenAI certifications. Public Safety—Little Rock arrests: North Little Rock police arrested Damien Calvin, 34, on meth and gun charges after a bike stop turned into a chase; Little Rock police also arrested Shawn Chavarit Hill on terroristic-act counts tied to a Saturday incident. Healthcare in the Twin Lakes: Baxter Health Foundation announced the Bass Classic returning to Lake Norfork for a second year, with proceeds supporting aging, cancer support, and women’s health programs; the Mountain Home Area Chamber’s State of Healthcare breakfast is set for June 16. Education leadership: Arkansas State University System trustees named Chancellor Todd Shields as system president starting July 1, and selected Calvin White as interim chancellor. Agriculture research: UA researchers report potassium deficiency can slash cotton yields, with fertilization boosting yields up to 70% in deficient soils. Sports—local flavor: UALR’s Chris Curry thanked his team after the Trojans’ super regional run ended vs. Troy; Northwest Arkansas Naturals’ Carson Roccaforte hit a ninth-inning grand slam to lift the Naturals.

EMS Transition: ProMed Ambulance has taken over Ouachita County Medical Center’s EMS operations in Camden and surrounding areas, with services fully transitioned effective immediately. Missing Person Alert: A Silver Alert is active for 71-year-old David Lee Miller of Hamburg, last seen Saturday night; police say time is critical. Severe Weather Watch: A Tornado Watch is in effect for Benton, Carroll, and Newton counties, with storms expected to move in this afternoon; Northwest Arkansas also faces a slight risk. Weather Update: Light showers are moving through early, with heavier showers and possible storms later today. Gas Prices: GasBuddy reports Arkansas midgrade and premium prices are down from the prior week in several counties, with the lowest midgrade deals showing up in Pope and Sebastian counties. Public Safety: Arkansas State Police reiterated concerns after a high-speed pursuit in Camden where an infant was ejected; troopers say the driver’s choices put children at risk. Local Growth: UCA selected 25 Northwest Arkansas leaders for a community development training program running through fall 2028. Sports: Troy baseball swept Little Rock to reach the College World Series for the first time in program history.

College Baseball (Arkansas): Troy swept Little Rock in the NCAA super regional, 12-2 and 7-2, and is headed to the College World Series in Omaha after a historic run. Local Sports (UALR): UALR’s season ended with Saturday’s 7-2 loss to Troy, despite earlier regional wins that pushed the program to its first super regional. Women’s Golf (Arkansas connection): Nelly Korda surged with a 4-under 67 to share the lead at the U.S. Women’s Open, while Arkansas’ Maria Jose Marin moved up into the top 15. Arkansas Weather: Severe storms eased after tornadoes touched down in the River Valley and damage was reported, with lingering shower and storm chances overnight. Arkansas History: June 7 highlights include Russellville’s incorporation in 1870 and the birth of Arkansas historian J.H. Atkinson in 1888. Public Safety: Arkansas State Police warned parents about the dangers of fleeing with children in vehicles after pursuit-related incidents.

Arkansas Gas Prices: AAA says the statewide average for regular gas is $3.83 today, down 14 cents from last week, with Fayetteville at $3.76 and Fort Smith at $3.83. Little Rock Baseball: UALR is fighting to stay alive in its NCAA super regional vs Troy, trailing 4-0 in Game 2 as the winner heads to Omaha. Super Regional Spotlight: Troy crushed Little Rock 12-2 in Game 1 behind two Jabe Boroff homers, and Game 2 is set for 2 p.m. on ESPN2. State Sports: Arkansas State will honor three football anniversaries in 2026, including the 1986 Southland title and the Ring of Honor’s 30th year. Community & Culture: Lakeport Plantation Museum in Lake Village will host its first Mississippi River symposium this fall, “The Mississippi in American Memory,” tied to America 250. Medicaid Dollars: Russellville Medicaid dental claims totaled $626,583 in 2024, up 3.5% from the year before.

Longitude Lesson: A new look at the Lewis and Clark era reminds us why “getting longitude right” took centuries—Jefferson praised their latitude work but said their longitudes weren’t yet up to snuff. Retirement Gap: A widening racial wealth gap is tied largely to retirement savings shortfalls, with Pew urging state-backed “auto-IRA” programs to help workers without workplace plans. Pride Counterprogramming: Arkansas joined other GOP-led states in rebranding June with “Fidelity” and family-focused proclamations as Pride events roll on. Arkansas Lottery: Mega Millions (June 5) numbers were 13, 30, 50, 52, 66, Mega Ball 2; Cash 3 results for June 5 were also published. Little Rock Baseball: Troy crushed UALR 12-2 in Game 1 of the Super Regional, powered by Jabe Boroff’s two homers and a grand slam; Game 2 is set for 2 p.m. Central. School Safety: Riverview School District reviewed Act 565, outlining how teachers can remove students for violent or abusive behavior and what happens next. Weather: Magnolia-area forecast calls for warm, humid days with daily shower and storm chances through Monday. Energy Policy: A national push would funnel $700M into coal power infrastructure, with Arkansas’s Flint Creek Coal Plant among the projects slated for funding.

NCAA Baseball Super Regionals (Little Rock/Troy): Little Rock and Troy kick off their first-ever Super Regional series Friday at 4 p.m. CT at Riddle-Pace Field, airing on ESPNU and ESPN+. Local Housing (Fayetteville vets): Patriot Park, a veterans-focused housing development in Fayetteville, is on track for mid-July building readiness, with leasing expected to start soon after; 120 people are already on the waiting list. Public Safety (Lonoke County sheriff race): A judge dismissed a murder charge against GOP sheriff nominee Aaron Spencer after a dash-cam memory card was lost, raising due-process concerns. Scholarships (Arkansas students): The Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarship application deadline is July 1, with funding supported by Arkansas Scholarship Lottery proceeds. Community Support (Crawford County fire): A donation drive and benefit dinner are planned for Deputy Robin Gaines, seriously injured while trying twice to rescue a woman from a house fire. Fuel Watch (Arkansas prices): GasBuddy reports Arkansas drivers saw lower prices heading into the week ending May 30, with multiple counties posting the state’s lowest midgrade or premium figures. Culture/Politics (June rebrand): Arkansas and other GOP-led states are pushing “Fidelity Month” instead of Pride Month, part of a broader shift during the Trump era.

Ukraine Aid Vote: The U.S. House passed a Ukraine package that boosts security and reconstruction funding and adds new sanctions on Russia, clearing the bill 226-195 despite GOP objections. Pride Month Pushback: Several Republican governors are rebranding June with faith-and-family themed alternatives to Pride Month, including Arkansas’ “Fidelity Month.” Internet Safety: Arkansas State Police urged parents to use National Internet Safety Month to tighten privacy settings, update passwords, and watch for online enticement risks that often rise in summer. Local Accountability: In Bull Shoals, Mayor Bill Stahlman gave conflicting accounts of whether a voter-approved 1% sales tax tied to a sewer bond was collected and transferred correctly. College Baseball Spotlight: UALR and Troy meet in a super regional with a College World Series berth on the line, setting up a “Trojan War” in Troy, Alabama. Food Delivery Upgrade: Walmart is expanding Subway delivery inside Walmart stores, aiming to reach all 1,400 Subway locations by late July. Sports Roundup: The Arkansas Travelers beat the Hooks 3-2 to move to 3-0 in their series.

Social Security: A new nonpartisan report warns Arkansas retirees could see an average $469-a-month cut if Congress doesn’t act, with a projected 24% benefit reduction nationwide by 2032. Arkansas Politics/Media: The Arkansas TV Commission reversed course and voted to keep PBS on the air in the state after the Arkansas TV Foundation hit its 2027 dues goal, ending a funding fight tied to federal cuts. Local Economy/Tech: Kinetic says it has surpassed 2 million residential high-speed internet connections, highlighting continued broadband growth in Arkansas. Public Safety: Arkansas State Police urged parents to stay alert online as summer brings shifting risks, including online enticement and sextortion trends. Agriculture: Rice planting in Arkansas is nearly complete, but farmers faced stress from dry, warm weather and wind that hurt germination and stand quality. Culture & Community: The South Arkansas Symphony is moving under the South Arkansas Arts Center umbrella starting July 2026, aiming to strengthen arts programming in El Dorado and the region. Sports: Arkansas softball pitcher Saylor Timmerman is returning for her sophomore season, joining other returnees from the Razorbacks’ Women’s College World Series roster.